Dear Adena Brook Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying this glorious, early-summer weather.

I need to comment, if you will indulge me, on some misinformation that has made the rounds about some of our wild brethren. I will be brief, but do hope that you will take this information into consideration.

* The red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is indigenous to most of the North American continent.
* Adult weight is usually 6.5 – 20 pounds.
* The majority of a fox’s diet consists of invertebrates such as insects, mollusks (yard grubs), and crayfish. They also feed upon mice, rats, young rabbits (not adult), frogs, and eggs. A substantial portion of a fox’s diet is also comprised of fruit and berries. They will also eat carrion….contributing to the overall cleanliness of an area.
* Foxes have disproportionately small stomachs, compared to dogs and cats, and thus, eat only small prey.
* Foxes tend to be crepuscular, meaning that they are active at dawn and dusk, but seldom during the daylight or nighttime hours.
* Foxes are SOLITARY hunters. They do not form packs. They do not live communally as do other canids. They are monogamous during the breeding season and spend the rest of the year alone.
* Foxes do NOT attack domestic animals….cats, dogs, etc. They pose NO threat to pets and indeed, keep their / our environment free of rodents and other pests.
* When crows are heard fussing and carrying on, it is NOT on account of foxes. The two species are not even awake and active at the same times during the day. When the crows are fussing, look carefully for the red-tailed hawk as he is usually the cause of the commotion.
* The average feeding/breeding range of a fox is up to 22 acres thus, they do NOT commonly share territory or over-populate an area.

* We have a family of foxes in the brook area this season and are wonderfully fortunate to be able to see them from time to time. This is a reclusive species and to observe them for a time is a privilege and a joy. They are our wild brethren. We share this earth. We share this community. Please let us NOT fall ‘prey’ to wanton misinformation. Please let us respect these creatures and honor their habits. They and their kind were, after all, here long before we were……..and I believe we do well to remember this.

My best to all during this lovely season. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.

Kindest personal regards,

Cari Brackett, Pharm.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
Department of Family Medicine
500 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-5718
FAX (614) 292-1335